3. After launch, Kia will introduce a turbocharged model with even more
aggressive bodywork and a 274-hp engine.

What a difference a few years can make.

As part of a bold new product rollout that began with the Kia Soul, the
Korean automaker is now delivering compelling vehicles with impressive fuel
economy and much improved quality, all wrapped-up in a compelling package. In
fact, KiaвЂ™s new design language works so well on the Optima, if we didnвЂ™t know
better, weвЂ™d expect the starting price to be double.

ThatвЂ™s exactly what Kia wants you to think, showing media present at the
launch a short video of the target Gen X customer followed by the cleverly
crafted yet arguably true statement that, вЂњNobody ever dreamed of driving a
mid-size sedan until now.вЂќ

Based on looks alone, the Optima will draw customers into showrooms, pulling
decades-long Honda and Toyota supporters away from their brands with a flashy
new look.

And while the Optima is unequivocally svelte, one could easily argue that the
biggest drawback to previous generations of KiaвЂ™s family sedan wasnвЂ™t
aesthetics. SoвЂ¦ apart from the superficial reasons to purchase this handsome
sedan, do the more practical aspects of the 2011 Optima represent a compelling
alternative to the industry benchmarks?

See also:

Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher should be
used whenever you find it necessary to
stop the car in a hazardous location.
When you must make such an emergency
stop, always pull off the road as far
as p ...

Electrical circuit protection
Fuses
A vehicleвЂ™s electrical system is protected
from electrical overload damage
by fuses.
This vehicle has two fuse panels,
one located in the driver's side panel
bolster, the other in the ...

POWER AND FUEL-ECONOMY ARE UP TO PAR
That description might have you thinking the Optima has all sorts of power.
True, the upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets added power for вЂ™09 with 175hp
and 169 ft-lbs of torque, but itвЂ™s no ...